World Cup qualification
Neymar will be out longer after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament
Brazil’s Neymar is driven off the pitch. In the World Cup qualifier in Uruguay, the player tore his anterior cruciate ligament and the meniscus in his left knee. photo
© Matilde Campodonico/AP
Football star Neymar tore his anterior cruciate ligament and the meniscus in his left knee during Brazil’s 2-0 defeat in the World Cup qualifier in Uruguay.
This was the result of investigations, as the Brazilian association (CBF) announced. Accordingly, the 31-year-old Neymar has to undergo an operation and will therefore be out of action for his club Al-Hilal in the Saudi Arabian league until further notice.
“Very sad moment”
“It’s a very sad moment, the worst,” wrote the Brazilian on the social network Instagram. “I know I’m strong, but this time I’ll need my family and friends even more.” He puts his strength “in God’s hands” and Neymar thanked him for the “support and affection”.
Shortly after conceding the first goal, Neymar suffered a serious injury before half-time in the 0-2 (0-1) win against Uruguay when he landed incorrectly with his left leg after a running duel with Uruguay’s Nicolás De La Cruz. As he was driven off the pitch, Neymar hid his face with both hands and later left the stadium in Montevideo on crutches.
CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues pledged his support to the Seleção number 10: “Brazilian and world football need Neymar healthy and rested, because football is happier when he is on the pitch,” said Rodrigues.
Brazil was unable to turn the game around after Neymar was substituted. In the second game in a row, the five-time world champion was unsuccessful. Recently it was only enough for a 1-1 draw against Venezuela, and Neymar then had to put up with significant criticism for his performance.